Window AC Units work by collecting moisture in the air from inside your home to produce cool air. Typically moisture collected from the air in your home is condensed on coils in the back of the unit and then drained away, but occasionally it gets stuck in the AC unit and can cause mildew and mold growth. This can cause your AC to emit a moldy or musty odor and can lead to health problems for you and your family.
In addition, the build-up of dust, dirt, and debris in your window AC unit can severely affect the performance of your unit. This can cause the unit to work inefficiently and not cool as effectively as it should. Getting rid of the build-up will increase the performance of your unit and reduce your energy bills.
If you notice any of these problems, you need to clean your window AC unit as soon as possible. In this article, we will show you how to clean a window AC unit.
Here is what you will need to clean a window AC unit:
- Cleaning cloth or rag
- Detergent or soap
- Warm water
- Hand vacuum or vacuum
- Bristle brush
- Hydrogen Peroxide
So how exactly do you clean a window AC unit? It’s simple! Here is what you need to do.
Step 1: Unplug Your AC and Move It Outside
First, ensure that your unit is disconnected from your power source by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker on your home’s electrical panel. This will help prevent the unit from being damaged by electrical shock due to fluid contact. Then, move it outside, placing it on a level surface where you can easily work.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Grille Cover
The grille cover, also known as the face panel, is a metal or plastic grate secured to the front of your window AC unit. Remove this cover by unscrewing it or removing the clips holding it in place. We advise consulting your unit’s user manual for precise instructions on removing the grille cover.
Once you have removed the cover, clean it with warm water and a detergent or soap. Then, use a rag or cleaning cloth to wipe off all dirt and debris from the grille cover. Set the grille cover aside to dry while you work on the rest of your unit.
Step 3: Remove and Clean the Unit’s Filter
Check your window AC unit’s user manual for exact instructions on how to remove the filter. Usually, most units will have the filter located behind the grille cover, but some window air conditioners will have the filter lodged inside the cover. Once removed, use a hand vacuum or vacuum hose to remove all dust and debris from the filter. Then, wipe it down with a damp rag or cloth.
If you want a deeper clean, use a garden hose to spray it clean. Alternatively, you can use warm water and soap to wash the filter. Rinse it off and place the filter in a dry spot to dry out before reinstalling it. Ensure you flip the filter halfway through the drying process to dry both sides of the filter completely.
Step 4: Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Coils and Fins
Pinpoint the evaporator coils and fins in your windows AC unit and clean them using a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush. Ensure you handle the evaporator coils and fins with care to avoid damaging or bending them.
Alternatively, you can add a soft brush attachment to your hand vacuum or vacuum hose and use it to vacuum the evaporator coils and fins gently. When cleaning, make sure to vacuum in the same direction as the aluminum fins to avoid bending the fins; if the fins are positioned vertically, vacuum in an up-and-down movement and a right-and-left direction if the fins are arranged horizontally.
Spray the evaporator coils and fins using compressed air to remove any remaining dirt, dust, and debris.
Step 5: Straighten the Fins
If you notice that any of the fins in the unit’s condenser or evaporator are bent, you need to straighten them to ensure efficient airflow and performance of your unit. Wearing protective gloves, insert a pair of needle-nosed pliers or fin comb in the space between the fins, directly below or above the bent section of the fin. Then, gently run the pair of needle-nosed pliers or fin comb in the same direction as the adjacent unaffected fins until the bent fins are straight. If you’re uncomfortable with this process, call a professional!
Step 6: Vacuum Out the Interior of Your Window AC
Use your hand vacuum to remove all dirt and debris from the interior cabinet of your unit. Start by vacuuming the evaporator in the front, the blower and fan in the middle, and the drain pan on the bottom of the unit, working your way back to the condenser in the rear.
Step 7: Spray Your AC With Hydrogen Peroxide
You can use a spray bottle for this step. Fill the bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide, and then spray the exterior housing and all of your window AC unit’s interior surfaces and components. Then use a cloth to wipe down all the surfaces you can reach.
Hydrogen peroxide helps protect against the growth of mildew and mold in your window AC unit. Allow enough time for all unit components to dry before re-assembling the unit. Now you have a clean window AC unit, ready to cool your home again.
Rely On the Pros
While it is possible to clean your window AC unit on your own, the job can be tedious and time-consuming. If you live in a humid climate and have difficulty cleaning away the mold and mildew from your window AC unit, you may want to consider professional assistance.
If you live in Flower Mound and Irving areas, TX, you can rely on the services of [company_name], an Aggie 100 company and humanitarian award winner. At [company_name], we are a BBB-accredited company with an A+ rating.
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